BOOK FUN MAGAZINE - FREE READ

Back Cover: Just
a girl. The only one strong enough to break the cycle.

In Depression-era Mississippi, Millie Reynolds longs to escape the madness that
marks her world. With an abusive father and a "nothing mama," she
struggles to find a place where she really belongs.

For answers, Millie turns to the Gypsies who caravan through town each spring.
The travelers lead Millie to a key that unlocks generations of shocking family
secrets. When tragedy strikes, the mysterious contents of the box give Millie
the tools she needs to break her family's longstanding cycle of madness and abuse.

Through it all, Millie experiences the thrill of first love while fighting to
trust the God she believes has abandoned her. With the power of forgiveness,
can Millie finally make her way into the free?

Saturated in Southern ambiance and written in the vein of other Southern
literary bestsellers like The Help by Kathryn Stockett and Crooked
Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin, Julie Cantrell has created in Into
the Free—now a New York Times Best Seller—a story that will sweep you
away long after the novel ends.

REVIEW: I’m
thankful for the review copy of a book that introduced me to a talented new
author. Into the Fire is a haunting and gripping story told through Millie
Reynolds innocent eyes. She's growing up during the depression – Era in
Mississippi.

Young Millie tries to make sense
of relationships and life. Miss Harper says to Millie. After closing the book
Grapes of Wrath, “when the right person’s on your side, you've got a good
chance of beating the odds!"

Millie is honest with a
friend named River and says, “I don’t even know if I believe in God anymore.”

“River thinks before
answering. I like that about him. “Well, I’m sure God still believes in you.”

“I've heard this phrase
before from Mama. I’m not falling for it." I thought he’d be different. But he’s
just like every other boy I know. He’ll say anything to fool the girl.”

“Each day, I scramble
through old - growth hardwoods fertile fields, pretending I am scouting for a
lost tribe or exploring ancient ruins, other kids in town play with dolls and
practice piano. I don’t care much for that. My friends are the trees, and my favorite is this sweet gum. Mostly
because she’s planted right in front of our porch, so close I can see Mama’s
wedding ring slip loose around her bony finger while she drops carrots into a
black iron pot. I named my tree sweetie. Every day, I climb sweetie’s limbs and
listen for her songs.”

I really liked Millie. She’s
gut wrenchingly honest, and had a different way of looking at things. My heart went
out to her when she found herself in a horrific situation – thru no fault of
her own. She’s a thinker, she’s brave and feels alone. She ponders, “If God
really loved her, how could she be alone."

Then she visits the Anderson family
and thinks, “As the day goes on, I can taste the existence of God in every bite
of food, smell Him in every waft of Delta air…For years, I have searched for
this God. This feeling of complete love and acceptance. He was always out of
reach. But here food is scarce, money is tight, heart is heavy and tensions
should run high. God is everywhere.”

I couldn't put this book down. I was captivated by Millie her strength, courage, and imagination. My heart ached for this young one. I liked how this author dealt with some pretty tough and sensitive
topics. She handled them with grace, compassion, and respect minus vivid details. For
that I’m grateful. This is not a read for the faint of heart. The issues raised
in this book are spousal abuse, mental illness, depression and rape!

Millie discovers who she
is and what she’s worth in spite of her circumstances. Not many people want to face
tragedy head on either did young soul. Millies' story is continued in the sequel named When Mountains Move.

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REVIEW DISCLAIMER:
Most books reviewed on this site have been given to me. Other's I've bought. I state that in the review.
I will give my honest opinion whether I've been given a book or bought it. I only review books I've enjoyed and gloat about the ones that stirred my soul. I do not post negative reviews.
Books are so subjective. Authors work hard at their craft and I will not shoot them down. Not everyone likes the same things. Some books I loved others didn't. My job as a former book club leader and current book reviewer is to give you a sneak peak into the book kind of like a film critic gives their opinion and a movie trailer to check out. I will give you a book clip. You decide if you like it or not!
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Nora St.Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
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